Hammerheart Records have announced the re-issue of Viking metal outfit Mithotyn‘s debut album In the Sign of the Ravens. The 1997 classic, remastered by Nightside Audio (God Macabre, Skymning) will be out on 5th June via the label. 

Pre-orders are available HERE.

After releasing four demo tapes, Mithotyn finally put out their first full-length album in 1997. In the Sign of the Ravens delivers a hard, cold take on Viking metal, and at this early stage the band hadn’t yet fully embraced the stronger melodic elements that would become more prominent on later records.

One area where this record really shines is its atmosphere. In many ways, the Viking feeling here is the strongest in their entire discography. This is especially the case during the instrumental tracks like ‘Lost in the Mist’ and ‘Let Thy Ale Swing’. The band creates a mystical mood with folky keyboard melodies layered behind distorted guitars, growls, and occasional chants.

If you’re already a fan of Viking or black Metal, you’ll know roughly what to expect: longer songs with some variation, harsh growled vocals balanced with cleaner chorus sections, and a strong sense of atmosphere. It’s a familiar formula, but one that works well and captures what makes this style of music so enjoyable.

Track-list:
1. Upon Raging Waves
2. In the Sign of the Ravens
3. Shadows of the Past
4. Lost in the Mist
5. Embraced by Frost
6. In the Forest of Moonlight
7. Tills Dagen Gryr
8. Stories Carved in Stone
9. Freezing Storms of Snow
10. Where My Spirit Forever Shall Be
11. Let Thy Ale Swing